New Calif. law eases sperm donor testing rules

Law goes into effect Jan. 1

A new California law aimed at making it faster and less expensive for women to get pregnant using sperm from a donor they know is scheduled to take effect on Jan. 1.

Crafted with women who are single or in same-sex relationships in mind, the new law creates an exemption from federal rules requiring donated sperm either to be quarantined for six months or the man providing it to undergo repeated testing for sexually transmitted diseases.

The California regulations would allow women who already have tried artificial insemination with an acquaintance's sperm at home to waive the requirements in a clinic, just as women who are inseminated with sperm from their sexual partners can.

University of California fertility specialist Mitchell Rosen tells the San Francisco Chronicle the new law will level the family planning playing field for same-sex couples.

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